Getting Started

Whether you're new to grants or seeking to refine your skills, this page will provide you with essential information to set you on the path to successful grant applications. Please remember advanced planning is one of the most important aspects of writing a successful grant proposal. Faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to begin investigating potential sources of funding approximately one year before the planned research period. Please be aware that the Grants Office needs at least 14 business days before the deadline to review all proposals before submission.

It is important to familiarize yourself with WVC’s grant life cycle and its three major stages: pre-approval, pre-award (proposal phase), and post-award. The pre-approval phase encompasses grant seeking from idea formation up until proposal development. The last major step in this phase is submission of the Preliminary Grant Proposal form which could lead to approval of proposal idea for further development or disapproval and opportunities for idea modification.

Pre-Approval Steps

Step 1. Generate Idea

Before you begin, take some time to define your goals and project ideas:

• What is the specific project or initiative you are seeking funding for?
• How does it align with the college’s mission, vision, and strategic goals?
• What impact do you hope to achieve within the college or our community?

 

Step 2. Find Funding

It’s essential to explore available grant opportunities. The Grants Office can assist you by:

• Informing you about potential funding sources that match your project’s objectives.
• Providing access to a database of current grant opportunities.
• Offering newsletters and updates to keep you informed about new opportunities.

 

Contact the Grants Office

Before starting any proposal or application, please contact the grants office to ensure that proper approvals are in place. A Preliminary Grant Form must be completed and emailed to the Grants Office prior to proposal development. Additionally, all faculty interested in participating in proposal development must consult with their dean to ensure the distribution of responsibilities have been addressed.

We can also assist you in several other ways, such as:

• discussing your project ideas and funding needs.
• advising you on the best-suited grants for your project.
• providing guidance on the grant application process and requirements.

 

Click here for a visual of our institutional grant development process.